Workforce, training and education
East of England

** Exciting news!  Additional Medical Oncology NTN posts, including new location at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. 
Please contact TPD (Simon Pacey) with any questions **

Medical oncologists specialise particularly in the development, implementation and delivery of systemic anti-cancer therapies and routinely lead on delivering clinical research, with many extending this to active laboratory-based research, and involvement in the development as well as the delivery of clinical trials.
Systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) is a wide and expanding field of practice, which has moved far beyond traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. Current modalities include biological agents, molecular targeted agents, immunotherapies, immune modulators and most recently individually modified immune cell therapies. The development and safe introduction of these therapies to treat solid tumours is a complex and highly specialised field of practice in which medical oncologists lead.
In addition to the generic professional capabilities expected of all doctors, Medical Oncologists will have the specialist skills to deliver what cancer patients need throughout their disease pathway across disparate tumour types including:
  • Lead and contribute to Multidisciplinary team meetings
  • Be responsible for developing comprehensive and complex management plans
  • Communicate with patients in a way which places the patient at the centre of the decision-making process
  • Responsible for safe and efficient delivery/oversee the delivery of SACT elements of treatment plan and overall co-ordination of treatment plans
  • Capable to manage/ develop Acute Oncology Services
  • Active contribution to clinical research.
Extracts from 2021 curriculum.
As would be expected, given the size and impact of the research carried out within our region (see research tab) there is a strong academic component to our training program.  There are extensive  research opportunities for NTN post holders and many opportunities for NTN(A), integrated academic career path, posts (from SFY through to ACL).
Cambridge was awarded Cancer Research UK Major Centre status and a priority of the Centre is to train the cancer research leaders of the future.
We would like to hear from prospective trainees and informal visits are encouraged, if this is not feasible Dr Pacey (TPD and Academic Training Lead) would be delighted to explain the benefits of training within the East of England, the fantastic opportunities to conduct research and answer any questions not outlined on these web pages.  Equally our trainees, via our trainee representative can also be contacted.  Please use the details found on the contacts tab to get in touch.

Medical Oncology in the East of England

Medical Oncology training is provided by rotations across the hospitals in our region.  A substantial proportion of the program will be spent based in Cambridge (Addenbrookes Hospital).  The increase in training posts has led to an expansion at all sites as well as adding new ones to the program.  So that StR can plan for their entire program, a series of mini-rotations are planned to limit overall travelling between sites and make it simpler to locate within the region.

Medical Oncology Training Program East of England: mini-rotation planning

East of England rotations

Where possible trainees are supported within their timetables to attend audit/ academic activities at Cambridge (Tuesday), this maintains and develops stronger links with the trainee cohort and helps prepare for changing location in due course.

On call commitments vary between sites:

Cambridge, Southend, Stevenage and Noroflk & Norwich operate their own on call rota for Oncology.  Currently StR based at Peterborough, Kings Lynn or West Suffolk do not take part in overnight on call.

During the four clinical years there is plenty of opportunities to be involved in research projects for those who are motivated, including clinical trials (phase 1, 2 and 3).   For those trainees who wish to undertake a postgraduate degree, options include applying for PhD or MD studentships.  

2022 trainee and consultant December social (Christ’s Great Hall, Cambridge) 

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